A Consumer’s Guide to Quality Child Care for the General Public
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Types of Child Care in Texas (back to top)
There are three types of child care regulated by The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) regulates three types of child care. These include Licensed Child Care Centers, Licensed Child Care Homes and Registered Child Care Homes. Certain restrictions apply to all regulated caregivers. The restrictions limit care to ages from birth to 13 years; limit time in care to less than 24 hours per day; and set a ratio of caregivers to the number of children in care based on the ages of the children.
Licensed Child Care Centers
Child Care Centers must be licensed by the DFPS. Child care is provided at a location other than the license holder’s residence. The center may care for seven or more children.
Licensed Child Care Homes
The primary caregiver must be licensed by DFPS to provide child care in their own residence. The total number of children allowed in care varies with the ages of the children but must not exceed 12, including children related to the caregiver.
Registered Child Care Homes
The primary caregiver must be registered with DFPS to provide child care in their own residence. The total number of children allowed in full day care varies with the ages of the children but must not exceed six. Care may be provided for no more than six additional elementary school children after school hours. The total number of children at any given time must not exceed 12, including children related to the caregiver.
Steps to Finding Quality Child Care (back to top)
1. Look (Observe)
Outside and inside
Safety
Centers/Activities
Observe the interaction of children and caregivers
Amount, quality, cleanliness of toys and furniture
Books
Visit the day care more than once if possible, make unannounced visits, and compare announced and unannounced visits
Never stop the observation process
2. Listen
Sounds - Children laughing, singing, and playing.
Teachers Tone of Voice - Cheerful and patient, not shouting.
Quiet - Appropriate to activity, like napping. Group activities with no interaction could indicate problems.
Noisy - Needs to be appropriate to activity; too noisy could indicate lack of control.
3. Count
The number of children and caregivers
Observation of the ratio of the number of children per caregiver should be an on-going process
Determine a ratio of children per caregiver with which you feel comfortable
Does the center or home have a better children per caregiver ratio than what is required for licensing
Ratios are important in all age groups, but especially important for infants
Choosing a child care provider can be a stressful experience for both you and your child. Knowing what to look for in a child care facility can make the task easier. The Texas Rising Star Provider Program is voluntary and exceeds the Department of Family and Protective Services Standards. Child care facilities that choose to participate in this program must be in good standing (Plan 2 or 3) with child care licensing and are monitored quarterly by a PWSCCS Child Development Specialist. They continuously strive toward:
Offering high quality care for children Meeting and maintaining program criteria A program in which child development is the number one priority.Be sure to ask child care facilities if they participate in the Texas Rising Star Program!!
How does my child benefit from a Texas Rising Star Program? TRS Providers are required to meet the following:
Maintain good standing with TDFPS (licensing) Meet director qualifications Meet caregiver/staff qualifications Have extra staff training Smaller group size Have planned curriculum/activities Have positive caregiver/child interaction Ensure health and safety Follow nutrition/mealtime guidelines Involve parentsAdditional Child Care Links (back to top)
Additional child care information is available through the organizations and agencies listed below. Texas Workforce Commission information includes:
Child Care Services
Child Care Providers Lists
Child Care Rules
Child Care Licensing
Child Care Reports
Child Care State Plan
Public Policy
Early Childhood
About Accreditation
About Conferences
Child Care Licensing
Child Care Standards and Regulations
Child Care Licensing Offices
Information for Child Care Professional
Auxiliary aids and services are available, upon request, to individuals with disabilities.
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